The longest streak of consecutive games started by an NHL goalie in nearly a decade will end Thursday when the Minnesota Wild play the Nashville Predators.
Minnesota head coach Mike Yeo told KFAN that goaltender Devan Dubnyk will get his first night off since being traded to the Wild on Jan. 15.
It will put an end to 39 consecutive starts (38 with the Wild); the NHL’s longest streak for a goalie since the 2007-08 season, the Star Tribune says.
#MNWild Head Coach Mike Yeo says Darcy Kuemper will start tonight in Nashville. Devan Dubnyk gets a rest.
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) April 9, 2015
As I reported today, Mike Yeo confirms on @KFAN1003 that Devan Dubnyk's run of 39 straight starts ends. Kuemper 1st start since 1/6 tonight
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 9, 2015
Kuemper told Russo that he’s looking forward to getting some game action: “I know what I can do. I feel I’m a better goalie now than I was at the start of the year with all this practice. I feel my game is in a pretty good place right now.”
As for Dubnyk, his impressive run catapulted the Wild from the back of the Western Conference standings all the way to the top wild-card seed, which they currently hold, along with a playoff berth following Tuesday’s road victory in Chicago.
Dubnyk's streak over; Kuemper to start in goal for #mnwild tonight. @Russostrib writes: http://t.co/DowANUMtRI #NHL pic.twitter.com/iOwSjCWHZO
— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) April 9, 2015
Kuemper will get an opportunity to help Minnesota tie the 2005-06 Red Wings for the longest road win streak in NHL history when they go for a 12th straight win in Nashville.
Finally, some amazing statistics show just how awesome Dubnyk has been.
Devan Dubnyk's numbers during 38 straight starts since joining #mnwild on Jan. 14: 27-8-2, 1.73 GAA, .938 SV% and 5 shutouts. #NHL #Duuuuubs
— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) April 8, 2015
Devan Dubnyk in 18 road games since joining #mnwild: 15-1-1, 1.42 GAA, .953 SV% and 3 shutouts. #NHL #Duuuuubs
— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) April 8, 2015
As insane as Devan Dubnyk's 15-1-1 road stats, where would #mnwild be if not for his last 6 2nd of back to backs? 5-0-1, 1.14 GAA, .968 SV%
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 8, 2015
